Just wanted to say a quick hello and apologize for my lack of responsiveness over the months. I will do my best to respond to your comments and messages in June. Today's post is just another casual studying outfit. I study at my office for about 12 hours at a time, and must be comfortable, but not too comfy in fear of dozing off! By putting on a full outfit complete with accessories (even if only my books will get to see it), I feel more in the right frame of mind to be productive. Anyone else feel the same way?
To spruce up a simple jeans + tee combo, I added a silk printed scarf
scored for about $3 at the thrift store, my fave buckle belt, and some
strappy sandals. For anyone who scorns H&M and Target items because
they are low-quality...I can't even count how much wear these 3-yr old $20 sandals and $17 clutch have gotten, while still looking fairly pristine. If you are selective with design and materials, there are definitely gems to be found at fast-fashion and discount retailers...
This is my second pair of Old Navy rock star jeggings (see black styled here) (gave away russet to my cousin in China), and I have developed mixed feelings about them. On one hand, I definitely appreciate that they run small and are available in several inseams and colors (although ON needs to do a better job of restocking!). I also like the price tag of $30-$35 plus their frequent discounts. On the other hand, the fit is inconsistent and the design & material in my opinion don't compare to some of Gap's legging jeans (here's an option in a nice dark wash). The material of my ON jeans feel stiff in general, and the black pair attracts lint like none other. Gap definitely has their material and sizing inconsistencies too, though, so you never really know until you try a style on.On a separate note - H&M lovers can print out this coupon for 35% off (highest I've ever seen from them) one item. Technically it's for email subscribers, so sign up for their emails to receive coupons going forward. Thanks so much to SewPetiteGal for tweeting this during her early-morning sale alerts. She was so kind to also message me directly just in case this H&M lover missed it : )

Armed with my coupon, I popped in at lunch and was soon ready to leave empty-handed. I tried on some cute, colorful bracelets (the petite wrist-friendly mint and peach bangles are a set), but wasn't enticed enough to buy. I was also sorely disappointed by the tent-like winning Fashion Star dresses - I guess runway looks don't translate well for shorties in real life! Here's a 2 on me (per the model this dress is supposed to be around knee-length) for shits and giggles:
On my way out, I spotted a flash of neon out of the corner of my eye and was thrilled to see these highlighter yellow sandals (item # 067212) fully stocked on a shelf. I had called around for them after this post with no luck, and assumed they had come and gone quickly. They are definitely more neon yellow-green in person than the warm yellow shown in the picture, which is too bad, but I might alter the color later. I grabbed a US 5/ EUR 36 (feels like a 5.5) for just $22.75 after the coupon. They are quite fun and look sturdy (more so than F21 shoes), and are a very welcome addition to my collection of neutral heels.

89 comments:

I love this look, Jean! Scarves and accessories can definitely jazz up an otherwise ordinary casual ensemble of jeans and a tee. Plus, I totally agree with you--even though I normally go to work and then home, it just makes me feel better if I'm dressed up a little. I'm more productive because I just feel better.

Jean, I love how you amped up the white jeans with earthy tones, and the bright pop of red. I've only ever gotten accessories from H&M but maybe I'll have a little luck with this discount. The tent dress...lol, that one makes me question the show (I've only watched one episode).

Jean, good luck on your tests! When it is over, please cconsider doing a post on plagiarism in blogging. I read that you writing to the offender did not work. You shouldn't have to deal with this for years and it's only getting more shameless. It's tasteless. I think you should write an educational post for bloggers and readers or this won't stop . I am a blogger myself and have stopped following those who support the copying. But YOU are the only one who can make a bigger change.

Oh my goodness! H&M coupons! I was wondering if I could find taht leopard floral orange shorts that some bloggers are wearing... I've been keeping eyes on it. I hope it's at the H&M near my place! Thanks for the coupon, Jean. :)

Love the outfit! The scarf looks so good and adds interest to a simple outfit. I wear something comfy but chic when I study, too, because I feel more effective and more ME when I'm happier with the way I look knowing I put some effort into it. Also, in case someone calls and I get to go out for lunch or something in between, it's nice to look representable.

Wow - that FashionStar dress is ridiculous! I tried on a few FS items at H&M before and most were either cut small (fitted pieces from Luciana and Orly) or were crazy revealing. I love your scarf! I've been pondering getting this one on ebay for $5 but wish it wasn't a chiffon.

I completely agree that I feel more productive (and in a better mood in general) when I put some effort into my look each day. Thanks for sharing the H&M coupon - I'll let you know if I find anything great! :)

Love this outfit, Jean! Scarves and blazers used to be a staple in all my outfits in warmer weather until I moved to DC. :( Now anything around my neck just makes me sweat buckets and I end up drenched in sweat at my destination. I haven't figured out how to work around it yet. *sigh*

super stylish as usual! Agree about dressing up to work from home - definitely better for self esteem... Do you also carry your clutch round the house? heh heh On another note - where do you find petite jeans that are a good fit at the ankles? I buy mine from uniqlo and have them shortened - but always end up with baggy ankles..;-(

I love your studying outfit, the scarf is so pretty. You are swimming in that Fashion Star dress! I have a lot of trouble finding bangles that fit my small wrist, were you happy with the fit of those H&M ones? Good luck studying! :)

I love those neon sandals! What H&M in Boston were you shopping at? I find the stock can vary soooo widely between the different stores! And the Target sandals in your outfit are amazing. I agree, I have pieces from there, H&M, and Forever21 that are going on 5 years!

So polished. I love your "shits and giggles" - and "shits and giggles" it sure gave me! It looks like you were wearing a tent indeed. I love those shoes you posted - am going to see if I can find a pair with a visit to Fashion Valley here. And love the look the scarf gives you.

I really don't like Old Navy's pants. I'd rather spend more on Gap to be more comfy, though I didn't like their white legging jean offering either this year - the fit was off. I bought a pair of white skinny jeans from LOFT a few years ago that the fit is loose, but that was before I started reading your blog...

Could you do a how-to post sometime for evolving your style? I noticed that back in 2010, your look was more business professional and all neutral - which is what I'm prone to buy! I'd love to experiment with color and have more fun with fashion, but I don't know where to start. Any tips or important style resolutions?

Used the coupon yesterday on a classic navy blue blazer that was originally $50! So glad H&M came out with the coupon. Good Luck on your test...I just had 3 board exams,so keep studying hard and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! :)

you really put that H&M dress belt to good use. It seems to go with everything. Great buy! I love target too, their shoes may not always be genuine leather, but are definitely quality man made materials. And I discovered H&M after reading your blog. I used to only shop in Ann Taylor and Banana Republic before. But now H&M is always a stop for my mall trip. A lot of chic and trendy pieces, and much more affordable too.

Jean, I was in H&M downtown crossing this past weekend and saw a gorgeous one shouldered white jacquard peplum on the racks in front of the Washingston Street doors. I thought you might be drawn to it. Check it out!

you look gorgeous! this is a beautiful outfit - and you are so right. if you're "dressed up" slightly, you're still in a frame of mind to work. much positive thoughts heading your way as you study! xox P

I just discovered your blog and I LOVE it! Please keep posting! I'm also a very petite (4'10'') Asian girl and all of the tips that I've read on your blog in the past couple days have been really inspiring for me and..needless to say...I love your sense of style. Sorry if I'm overly excited haha

Those yellow sandals look fun. I'd love to be able to just try them on. I stopped by a couple of H&M's today with that 35% off coupon on my phone, but I didn't see those sandals anywhere. =\ Oh well, it's not something I would have a lot of use for. Can't wait to see you do outfit posts with those yellow heels!

I love your style and your blog! I had a question about the Ann Taylor perfect pumps-- After reading about them on your blog, I've been stalking the Ann Taylor site to buy the classic perfect pumps, but it seems as if they never have my size (5.5) Do you know how often they are back in stock? And should I ever buy them full price? Thanks!

Good luck with the exam! I'm studying for the CFA as well so I know how demanding the studying is. May I will try to put some effort into my studying outfit this weekend instead of the usual yoga pants and sweatshirt =)

If you're interested, I recently purchased white "jegging" denim pants from Abercrombie kids. Usually the length is somewhat long, but they actually stop at my ankles and are very flattery. The quality is amazing as usual and it's around $50. I'm 5 feet around 83 lbs and I bought a size 12. Hope this helps!

I love this look! You are so pretty and have such great style! I've been following your blog for awhile now, but am now just finding the courage to leave comments for the bloggers I follow. It probably sounds silly, but it's true! Anyway, I can completely relate to the whole putting together a full outfit and feeling in the right frame of mind, but in a different way...I live in a rural area, so while your books make up the audience, my audience is a bunch of people running around in baggy t-shirts, jeans and sneakers who could care less if I wore a paper bag as an outfit (so it's kind of like dressing for your books, haha). Also,I no longer have to study for anything so my "right frame of mind" = feeling ready to tackle the day. Still, I think I feel happier and more confident when I've put together an outfit, so I think I get what you mean :) Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

Hello Jean, I love your blog because we have the same physical type (low and lean) and a while I look for a blog where the blogger was like me physically. I am Brazilian and I will continue seeing your blog, bjos

Hi there - thanks for swinging by my blog and commenting the other day - I'm so happy to have found yours in return! You have fabulous style, and I love the blogroll listing all the other petite bloggers out there. I can't wait to look through your archives at all your outfits. :)

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Is there a particular style of jean - straight leg, boot cut, etc. - that looks better on a petite size? I've read on another blog that boot cut is the most figure flattering but you look amazing in skinny jeans. Help! I've just bought two pair of white straight leg jeans but haven't worn them yet.